The 2018 Nissan Versa has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 55 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Versa. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (12), Air Bags (12), Power Train (9).
Versa reliability snapshot
76/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$456
Avg annual repair cost vs $456 category avg
#9/21
Ranking in subcompact cars · better than 57% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
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Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Electrical System12
Air Bags12
Power Train9
Unknown Or Other9
Vehicle Speed Control3
Engine3
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Nissan Versa
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Check for transmission shudder or harsh shifting
☐Inspect for airbag warning lights on the dashboard
☐Test for unexpected engine stalling or shutdowns
☐Verify no water intrusion or mold in the interior
☐Ensure all brake lights function consistently
☐Check for oil leaks at the engine-transmission junction
What owners reported
2018 Nissan Versa owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 12 crashes and 10 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Versa. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several issues with the electrical system of the 2018 Nissan Versa. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly, with some instances occurring while driving at various speeds. These issues often involve the ignition system, with some owners describing problems with the ignition switch or key release. Many reports also highlight erratic behavior such as warning lights illuminating without cause and the car not responding to accelerator or brake inputs, which can lead to situations where the vehicle rolls unexpectedly. These problems are noted at mileages ranging from around 34,000 to over 100,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, although no crashes are specifically reported.
Owner complaints12
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report issues with the airbag system, particularly with airbag warning lights blinking on the dashboard. Several complaints highlight that, despite the warning lights, airbags fail to deploy during crashes, with seven incidents involving collisions and five resulting in injuries. Mileage at the time of failure varies, but some reports mention issues arising as early as 480 miles. Typical symptoms include the airbag light blinking continuously and the passenger seat airbag being disabled despite occupancy. These reports suggest potential safety implications, as multiple owners describe airbags not deploying during significant impacts, leading to concerns about occupant safety in crash situations.
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report transmission issues, with common symptoms including shuddering, high RPMs, harsh downshifts, and complete transmission failure. Complaints often describe incidents occurring without prior warning lights, and several mention the need for transmission replacement. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some as low as 15,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in one case where a vehicle shifted into reverse unexpectedly, resulting in a crash. Buyers should be aware of transmission-related concerns, particularly with vehicles that have not been serviced or diagnosed for these issues.
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report issues related to vehicle stalling, with multiple instances occurring while driving, which has resulted in at least one crash and two injuries. Some complaints describe the car shutting off without warning, even from a complete stop or at low speeds, posing a significant safety risk. Water intrusion is another reported problem, with one owner experiencing flooding inside the car after heavy rain, leading to electrical issues and potential mold growth. Additionally, there are concerns about oil seepage at the engine-transmission junction, observed even in vehicles with low mileage, which some owners worry could lead to further mechanical problems. These issues typically emerge at varied mileage ranges, with some stalling and transmission complaints appearing around 27,000 miles.
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Versa report issues related to the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, which poses a significant safety risk. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stopping without warning, sometimes failing to restart, with one report indicating a complete lack of communication with the engine. A serious incident involved a crash due to a sudden loss of steering control, resulting in two injuries. While specific mileage ranges are not provided, the recurrence of these symptoms suggests a pattern of unpredictable engine performance. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially concerning the risk of loss of control while driving.
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, with common symptoms including difficulty slowing down and a shaking brake pedal. Some complaints describe weakened brake effectiveness, leading to a sensation of losing control, particularly concerning when driving or attempting to stop. One report involves a crash, and there is an injury linked to transmission issues, stalling, and RPM revving. Additionally, a loss of power when stationary at stoplights is noted. These issues suggest potential safety implications, especially if the vehicle fails to decelerate adequately or stalls unexpectedly. No specific mileage ranges are provided, but buyers should be aware of these reported problems when considering this model.
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Versa report issues with the steering system, particularly related to power steering loss and ignition problems. One complaint describes a sudden loss of power steering while stationary at a stoplight, accompanied by the illumination of the brake, battery, and oil lights. Another owner reports the steering wheel locking up while the vehicle was parked, with the ignition switch becoming immovable. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as difficulty in steering control or inability to start the vehicle, though no crashes or injuries are mentioned. The complaints do not specify mileage, and there is no clear pattern of occurrence based on the data provided.
2018 Versa recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Versa. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 19V654000Sep 12, 2019
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 18V551000Aug 21, 2018
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 17V837000Dec 20, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan Versa Note vehicles. During deployment of the side curtain air bag, a component of the air bag inflator may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Consequence: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Used-market value
2018 Nissan Versa resale snapshot
57.1%estimated value retained after 5 years
188listings in the model-level benchmark
$10,995median asking price from 27 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2018 Nissan Versa demonstrates above-average reliability with a score of 76, surpassing the segment's typical performance. Although five recalls indicate an elevated recall count, this is balanced by the car's overall solid reliability profile.
Complaints are relatively concentrated, with electrical system and airbag issues leading the list, while powertrain and other miscellaneous concerns follow closely. This distribution suggests specific areas might need attention, though the overall number of complaints remains manageable within the context of the vehicle's age.
In its seventh year of production, the Versa maintains a consistent reliability record, indicating that most design and manufacturing issues have been addressed over time. Buyers can expect a moderate risk level, with the potential for some issues, but generally solid dependability.
What you get in a 2018 Nissan Versa report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
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2018 Nissan Versa — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Nissan Versa reliable?
The 2018 Nissan Versa demonstrates above-average reliability with a score of 76, surpassing the segment's typical performance. Although five recalls indicate an elevated recall count, this is balanced by the car's overall solid reliability profile.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Versa have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Nissan Versa. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Versa problems?
The most-reported 2018 Nissan Versa problem areas are: Electrical System (12), Air Bags (12), Power Train (9).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Nissan Versa?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Nissan Versa, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
